What do you do if your boss doesn't understand your career goals in video production?

1 Assess Goals

Before initiating any conversation about your career goals, it's vital to assess them thoroughly. Reflect on what you aim to achieve in video production. Are you looking to become a director, cinematographer, or perhaps a post-production specialist? Understanding your own objectives is the first step in making them clear to someone else. Ensure that your goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). By having a solid grasp of your aspirations, you can articulate them more effectively to your boss and explain how they align with the company's objectives.

2 Open Dialogue

Once you've clarified your goals, the next step is to open a dialogue with your boss. Schedule a meeting and approach the discussion with a positive and collaborative attitude. Explain your aspirations in the context of video production and how they can contribute to the company's success. Be prepared to listen as well as speak; your boss's perspective might offer valuable insights. The key is to foster an understanding that your professional growth can be mutually beneficial. This conversation should be the beginning of an ongoing discussion about your career trajectory.

3 Showcase Value

To bridge the gap between your boss's understanding and your career goals, it's important to showcase the value you bring to the table. Create a portfolio of your work that highlights your skills and achievements in video production. If you aspire to take on more creative roles, include projects where you've demonstrated storytelling prowess or innovative editing techniques. Show how your unique skill set can solve problems and drive projects forward. Demonstrating your value through tangible results can make a compelling case for why your career goals are worth supporting.

4 Seek Mentors

If your boss is still struggling to understand your career goals, seeking mentors within the video production industry can be a game-changer. Mentors can provide guidance, share their experiences, and even advocate for you within the company or industry. They can also offer a different perspective on how to navigate career advancement and may have encountered similar challenges themselves. Building a relationship with a mentor can empower you with additional strategies to communicate your ambitions effectively.

5 Gain Skills

In tandem with these steps, actively work on gaining new skills that align with your career goals in video production. This might involve taking courses, attending workshops, or learning new software that's relevant to your desired position. By acquiring new competencies, you not only enhance your own value but also demonstrate commitment to your professional development. When your boss sees you investing time and effort into expanding your skill set, it may help them better understand and appreciate your aspirations.

6 Network Widely

Lastly, never underestimate the power of networking. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with peers in video production. Networking can open doors to opportunities that align with your career goals and may also provide alternative avenues for advancement if your current workplace doesn't offer the support you need. By building a robust professional network, you showcase your dedication to your career in video production and might find allies who understand and support your goals.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?