How do Career Development Models help you plan your professional growth?

This model resembles "Ikigai"; includes criteria similar to the anchors. When fused, they produce an enriched inner experience that manifests in greater life satisfaction and optimal work performance. In my experience, the most creative, fulfilling work involved a mixture of brainstorming, building and then delivering a creation where I could directly see its influence. On top of this is a mission that aligns with my own. At this level the work doesn't feel like "work" but another life element tied to purpose. In the career development profession, you can see people regularly work towards achieving this fusion when they acquire new skills and experiences to change careers.

What I’ve found useful when performing self-evaluations like these is to have a way to observe practical progress. Keeping record of when a project starts and maintaining record of its development. This could be in a standard document or system that can eventually be shared for public view. Examined over the course of the project life cycle, it can show progress from novice to proficiency. It becomes a career artifact at this stage that can be useful for professional conversation and even future interviews.

Like any model, let it be a single tool in a much broader suite of solutions. No two careers are ever the same, even though there may be consistencies. Where career models go south is when people get locked into a universal model and try to force it at all costs. As a result, when people run into a roadblock, they don’t have other tools in their suite to adapt. You’re better off showing how multiple tools can provide insight that allows people to adapt, which is one of the greatest career skills. When they have a wealth of possibilities, they can use what’s working while it works and pivot when it doesn’t.

Imagine career development models as your best buds in your career journey. First, they're like mirrors, helping you understand your skills and what you love doing. Then, they're your personal cheerleaders, encouraging you to set cool but realistic goals. Like detectives, they identify skills you might need to develop. They're your roadmap, showing you the twists and turns ahead, but reminding you it's okay to zigzag as long as you keep learning. They're your networking pals, helping you make valuable connections. And lastly, they're the wise old friends nudging you to reflect on your journey and adjust your plans if needed. All to make your career a fulfilling adventure.