Here's how you can convey your career goals to supervisors in digital learning.

1 Know Yourself

Before approaching your supervisor, take the time to reflect on your career goals. Understanding what you want to achieve in the digital learning field is the first step. Are you aiming to specialize in a particular area, such as mobile learning or gamification? Or do you see yourself moving into a leadership role, overseeing digital learning strategy? By identifying your long-term objectives and the skills you wish to acquire, you create a solid foundation for discussion. This self-awareness will also help you present your goals confidently and clearly when the time comes to discuss them with your supervisor.

2 Timing Matters

Choosing the right moment to discuss your career goals is as important as the conversation itself. Aim for a period when business is stable, and your supervisor is not overwhelmed with pressing issues. Performance reviews are an excellent opportunity to bring up your career aspirations, as these meetings are designed for feedback and discussion about your professional development. If you don't have a review scheduled soon, request a one-on-one meeting specifically to talk about your career path. Ensure your supervisor knows the purpose of the meeting so they can prepare and be in the right mindset to discuss your future.

3 Prepare Your Case

When you're ready to talk about your career goals, come prepared with a well-thought-out plan. This should include the specific skills and knowledge you wish to develop and how these align with the company's objectives. For example, if you're interested in creating more interactive e-learning courses, explain how this skill can help enhance learner engagement and retention. Show that you've thought about the steps needed to achieve your goals, such as additional training or involvement in certain projects. This preparation demonstrates your commitment and helps your supervisor understand how they can support you.

4 Communicate Clearly

Clear communication is key when discussing your career goals with supervisors. Be concise and articulate about what you want to achieve and why it matters to you and the organization. Avoid using jargon that may not be familiar to everyone; instead, use terms that are widely understood in the digital learning community. If you aspire to become a subject matter expert in a niche area of digital learning, explain how this expertise could benefit your team and the company's product offerings. Your ability to communicate effectively will show that you're serious about your career development.

5 Listen and Adapt

After presenting your career goals, be prepared to listen to your supervisor's feedback. They may offer insights or alternative paths you hadn't considered. Be open to their suggestions and show a willingness to adapt your plans based on their experience and knowledge of the company's direction. For instance, if you're interested in developing virtual reality (VR) learning experiences but your supervisor suggests starting with augmented reality (AR) due to current technological constraints, be flexible and see it as a step towards your ultimate goal.

6 Follow Up

Finally, after your initial conversation, make sure to follow up. If your supervisor has agreed to help you work towards your goals, periodically check in to update them on your progress and to remind them of any agreed-upon support or resources you need. If you've been tasked with additional responsibilities or projects as part of your development, report back on what you've learned and how it's contributing to your career objectives. Keeping the dialogue open ensures that your career goals remain a priority and that you stay on track for achieving them.