Current Career Snapshot
Reflecting on my current stage in the career development process, my experiences and priorities as a 22-year-old student on the brink of entering the professional world align with the life stage I am currently in.
I am in the process of completing my Honours degree in Quantity Surveying and my academic journey has solidified my interest in the construction industry. My primary objective is to gain hands-on experience in the construction industry post-graduation. This will be crucial in working towards registering as a professional and advancing in my career.
I am actively involved in networking within the industry, taking on opportunities to connect with professionals whenever possible. Serving as the ASAQS student representative has further facilitated my engagement with industry experts, enhancing my understanding and connections within the field.
My academic and career goals are well-aligned with the construction industry. The decision to pursue Quantity Surveying has been a deliberate one, influenced by both my interest in the field and the career opportunities it presents.
Moving upward will present the opportunity for more significant roles, and challenge me to improve my leadership and management skills. Salaries and promotions will increase in value, thereby enhancing job satisfaction and stability. The disadvantages of this route does however include increased stress & workload, greater responsibility and it can dull the passion because one can become performance driven in a negative way.
Moving sideways will push me out of my comfort zone thus adding to personal growth. This option will allow for me to discover different routes to take with my qualifications and icrease my skill sets in the sector. It can however affect salary & benefits in a way that will either make income irregular or less. Another disadvantage includes having to build new relationships and the risk of the attempt failing.
Staying in the same position will enhance the sense of comfort and stability, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and strengthen relationships and networks, potentially improving performance. However, it may lead to career stagnation, resulting in fixed salary, which can ultimately impact performance.
Changing direction sounds thrilling and has the potential to bring fulfillment and alignment, which can bring me closer to living out my purpose. However, it will be financially straining and set me back to when I started my studies, creating new challenges and a great deal of uncertainty.
Depending on the demands of one's circumstances, moving backwards might not be a bad choice. Taking a break when needed is crucial, so stepping down can help reduce stress levels and create space to prioritize mental health. Improving work-life balance can enhance performance. However, it could be a poor financial decision depending on personal needs, and it may hinder career progression, potentially impacting one negatively to some extent.
Stopping traditional work is a significant decision that can be beneficial to an individual, providing the freedom and time to reflect and gain clarity on the reasons for stopping work and what the future holds. It inherently fosters personal growth through the challenges of contemplating future endeavors, but it can also lead to a career setback, posing challenges when re-entering the industry.