Q1 Career Check-In: Key Areas to Assess for Professional Growth

'We do not learn from experience. We learn from reflecting on experience.' - John Dewey

We love this quote by John Dewey because it underscores the importance of reflecting on our experiences. Regular reflections and reviews are crucial in various aspects of our lives for several reasons. One significant benefit is that they prevent us from losing sight of our objectives and veering off-course.

Without these check-ins, we may become disoriented and lose our focus on what truly matters, leading us away from our desired outcomes.

Let's face it - our daily work routines can become all-consuming with the constant stream of emails, reports, and other tasks that demand our attention. If we let these tasks consume us and overshadow our larger career goals, we may eventually feel frustrated and overwhelmed with our work experience.

As we enter the second quarter of the year, it's an excellent time to take stock of how far you have come in your career and where you would like to be by the end of the year.

It's essential to take the time to review your progress, not just at the end of the year but throughout it, to ensure that you are on the right track and making the most of your potential.

Here are some questions to consider when conducting your Q1 career review.

1. What steps have I taken towards achieving my career goals this quarter? How much progress have I made, and what can I do to improve?
2. What opportunities have I pursued for growth and upskilling this quarter? What are the areas that require development, and how can I address them?
3. Who has been my support system or network of colleagues or mentors assisting me in achieving my career goals this quarter? Have I taken advantage of any available resources or support?
4. What are my achievements in this quarter? Have I taken the time to celebrate my successes, regardless of how small they may seem?
5. What are the challenges I have encountered any challenges this quarter? How did I handle them, and did I learn anything new from these experiences? Additionally, have I identified any opportunities for growth or advancement in my current role or elsewhere in my industry?

Reflecting on these questions can help you identify areas where you are excelling and areas where you need to improve. It's also a chance to celebrate your successes, track your progress, and set new goals for the next quarter.

The habit of career planning and review is the foundation for successful career management.

Lastly, consider finding an accountability partner to help you stay on track with your goals. This person can be a trusted colleague, mentor, or coach who can provide support, encouragement, and feedback throughout the year.

We hope you find these questions helpful in conducting your Q1 career review.

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**Bonus : At the start of the year, we shared an annual career review guide that includes more detailed questions. You can access it here. https://bit.ly/careerreviewguide

Remember, taking the time to reflect and set goals is an essential step towards achieving success in your career. Good luck!