Five Tips for Mapping Your Career Path

People often ask for my advice on planning a career path. My response? More than a map, you need a good pair of walking shoes.

No matter how boldly you set off down a career path, there are bound to be unexpected turns. It's more important to chart a general direction than to plan a specific course of steps along the way -- in part because when you're open to opportunity, that's often when opportunity finds you.

In my career at Lockheed Martin, I've held 20 different leadership roles in organizations all over the country and across our many businesses. I couldn't have predicted each one when I was starting out, but looking back, I know they all helped prepare me for my role as CEO.

As you set out on your own journey, here are some tips to make the most of the road ahead:

1.    Take stock of what sets you apart.

Do a personal inventory: what are your strengths? What do you find energizing -- or tiresome? Try to focus on opportunities that align with those realities. Rather than fixating on a specific title or role, think more generally about where your unique qualities would be a good fit and will add value.

Before I knew that Lockheed Martin was where I wanted to be, I already knew that I wanted to serve my country. I knew I was energized by their technology and innovation. I knew that I enjoyed stepping up to take on leadership responsibilities.

I was one of five children and my parents instilled a strong work ethic in all of us. I remember when I was in fourth grade, I left my father a note that read: "Daddy, please wake me up at 6 AM. I have a lot to do." The value of hard work has stayed with me through my life and my career.

Executive leadership isn't for everyone, but I knew my strengths and interests would be a good match for the type of work I sought out.

2.    Seize opportunities to try different roles.

Some people seem to know exactly what they want to do, even before they start their careers. But many more have just a general sense, especially at the outset.

Rotational programs can be a terrific way to test the waters -- to get a feel for what you're good at, where your talents could have the most impact in the organization, and what you ultimately want to achieve during your career.

At Lockheed Martin, for example, we have Leadership Development Programs in engineering, finance, operations, communications, and other areas that offer new employees a range of assignments over a two-to-three year period. I benefited from one of these programs early in my career. It was a great chance to develop a broad portfolio of skills and experience.

Many big organizations offer programs like this; take advantage of them if you can.

3.    Ask for help -- and pay it forward.

Colleagues can be great resources -- as advisors, sounding boards, mentors, and sponsors.

When I started out, I was fortunate to have a leader who saw leadership potential in me. He encouraged me to reach beyond my comfort zone, and helped map out the experiences I should get to ensure I would be prepared for my first leader role. His guidance was invaluable in getting my career on track. I've kept his example in mind in my own mentoring relationships since.

As you move through your own career, learn from the people who give you a hand up, and pay it forward by helping others coming up the ladder behind you. Remember, you don't have to be a senior executive to be supportive of someone else -- and the more generous you are in helping others, the more receptive others will be to helping you.

4.    Know that growth achieved is more important than distance covered.

A meaningful career path is one that's advancing -- and that means you should have something to aim for. But setting goals for yourself doesn't necessarily mean driving for the next promotion or big move. The important thing is to feel like you're always growing, always learning something new, and always performing at your best.

Seek out opportunities to keep your career moving forward, even in the job you already have. For example, you can work on a development opportunity, volunteer to lead a special project, or chair a department committee.

Your satisfaction with your career path is likely to depend less on how far you get than on how much you can get out of your work.

5.    Never turn down a good opportunity.

One of my guiding principles has been to always say yes to a professional challenge that worked for my family and me. In my 30 years with Lockheed Martin, I moved eight times to our different locations. Whenever I was offered an opportunity where I thought I could contribute, learn, and grow, I talked it over with my family and then jumped at it. Those opportunities often came with new challenges -- and that made me a better leader and stronger person.

It may seem daunting to take on a stretch assignment and growth opportunity, but it is the absolute best way to learn, expand and advance your career.

No matter what you want to achieve, the most important thing is to never set limits on yourself. Taking on new challenges is an important way to develop to your fullest potential -- and have a more interesting career along the way.

Those are five ways that I've planned my career path. What has worked for you? Share your experience with other readers in the comments.