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Personal Career Development Highlights

In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving job market, the concept of owning your career has never been more crucial, especially for Gen Z individuals who are projected to have more than 10 career jobs before retirement. Bertha Kowido's presentation on Personal career development highlights essential steps to becoming the CEO of your career, empowering individuals to take charge of their professional journey. SWOT Analysis: Before embarking on any career journey, it's vital to conduct a thorough SWOT analysis. This analysis helps individuals identify their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Identifying weaknesses or 'kryptonite' is crucial as it allows individuals to recognize areas for improvement. Similarly, identifying superpowers enables individuals to leverage their strengths effectively. Additionally, honing technical skills is essential for success in any field. To neutralize weaknesses, individuals can invest in education, training, or seek mentorship in areas where improvement is needed. Plan: Planning is key to navigating the complexities of a career journey. It involves setting clear goals, outlining actionable steps, and visualizing oneself in various career scenarios. By having a well-defined plan, individuals can stay focused, motivated, and better equipped to overcome obstacles along the way. The Prototype: The prototype stage is about experimentation and iteration. It involves taking calculated risks to reduce the failure rate. This can be achieved through various means such as career interviews, networking, side hustles, micro-projects, and acquiring micro-skills. By prototyping safely, individuals can explore different opportunities, learn from failures, and ultimately refine their career trajectory. A Board: Building a personal sounding board is invaluable in the journey towards career success. A board comprises individuals who provide support, guidance, and constructive feedback. They expand one's network, offer developmental opportunities, coach, challenge assumptions, and advocate for advancement. Having a diverse board ensures access to different perspectives and expertise, enhancing personal and professional growth. Encouragement to mentees and Gen Z individuals entering the job market: As mentees or members of Gen Z, it's essential to recognize the importance of mentors, coaches, sponsors, and subject matter experts (SMEs) in navigating the job market. A mentor offers guidance based on experience, helping mentees avoid common pitfalls and seize opportunities. A coach provides ongoing support, helping individuals develop necessary skills and mindset for success. A sponsor advocates for advancement within an organization, opening doors to new opportunities and challenges. Lastly, SMEs offer domain-specific expertise, aiding in skill development and career progression. In conclusion, owning your career is about taking proactive steps to shape your professional destiny. By conducting a SWOT analysis, planning diligently, prototyping effectively, and building a personal board of advisors, individuals can navigate the complexities of the job market with confidence and resilience. Mentees and Gen Z individuals entering the workforce should embrace the support of mentors, coaches, sponsors, and SMEs to thrive in their careers