All supervisors
want proficient and well trained employees. They have a vested interest in
your career development and fortunately today there are programs available to
cover just about any employee’s desired training path. Many agencies fund
evening college tuition as long as you maintain a C or better grade average
and if the course is either work related or listed on your written IDP
plan. There are hundreds of worthwhile government correspondence courses,
Computer based instruction training, on-line courses, OJT assignments, lateral
details, temporary promotional opportunities, and upward mobility programs for
all levels and pay grades. The long and short of it is that if you want to
grow in your career Uncle Sam is standing by with resources to help you
succeed. To keep you on track use the Career Transition Checklist on this site
that was excerpted from in Appendix A of Take Charge of
Your Federal Career.
Each of the following sections builds on the other.
Workable plans
take quality time to develop. Don’t rush the process and take one step at a
time. When you finish reviewing this site and its associated workbook you will
have gone through all of the necessary steps that you will personally need to
complete a viable Individual Development Plan. Get started today with the Self
Assessment section.
Suggestion: Explore and apply for job vacancies in the
government and private sectors to increase your promotion potential.
Consider submitting a resume online to locate viable job options in your area to
compare salary, working conditions, and benefits. Many federal agencies invest
considerable funds to train employees and this training along with your work
experience may qualify you for many jobs in the private sector.
Post your resume online at no cost to
research local opportunities and compare them to your current government
job. (Caution) Don't post your federal style resume online
without removing all sensitive information such as your Social Security
Number, etc.
FREE OFFER:
Click on the following banner to post your resume.
FOLLOW-UP (STAYING ON TRACK)
This is
the one step that is often ignored and yet has a tremendous impact on
whether or not you succeed. By the time you work through your career
development plan, complete your applications, and initiated several contacts
many let it go at that. They begin their initial developmental assignments
or training and after awhile things calm down, initiative wanes, and before
you know it two years have gone by and you’re still in the same job! This is
typical without follow-up, established deadlines and action items to keep
you on track. It isn’t enough to get started. You and your supervisor must
keep the momentum going. A plan without established review dates is often
worthless. Set realistic target completion dates, review your IDP with your
supervisor regularly, and keep your plan up-to-date. Life is constant
change and you must be prepared for those changes to succeed.
When you review your IDP with your supervisor come prepared to
update your plan. New training opportunities and developmental programs may
now be available. Look for out-of-agency training programs that are
scheduled for your location and don’t forget about agency training programs
and seminars. It’s up to you to be proactive in your career development
program. Your supervisor can help with resources and counseling however you
are primarily responsible for working through the plan. Think of your
supervisor as a catalyst that can help you make it happen. She can request
funds for your training, arrange for details and allow you time to
participate in other activities such as mentoring or (OJT) On the Job
Training assignments.
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