What is the next step?
You probably ask yourself this question at various points in your career journey. I am glad to tell you that by asking this question you are on the right track!
My name is Ayah, I am the recruitment manager at Sky Software. My job is to find the right fit for our company and to scout for hidden talents. I am so glad that I am writing this blog as I really care to raise awareness about a topic that matters to basically every employee working in a company.
Never hold back on asking that question as it’s your right to be wondering what comes next in terms of your development and growth
Development plan
To define what is a development plan, we need to explain the two aspects of the plan. The first one is the most important one, which is the learning process that you need to go through in order to grow and to become a candidate for a higher position. The second aspect is the actual promotion from a level to a higher level, this aspect can not be achieved without the first one and as an advice, focus on the first aspect and the second one will fly by itself.
Speaking about the learning process, we at Sky Software put tremendous efforts in developing a tailored plan for each and every employee. This begins from day one of the joining and is made clear for each employee. We make sure that each employee is aware of his plan and that his contribution to the plan is taken into consideration because eventually it is his growth plan and he needs to be part of it.
Let’s get technical!
The first plan is the onboarding plan which is usually created by the team leader in collaboration with the director of operation that outlines the learning outcomes for the employee throughout the first three months. Usually the focus in this period is on:
- Learning skills: how fast do you learn, research skills, and self learning.
- Communication skills: accepting constructive criticism, working with different personalities and adapting upon that, in addition to the presentation skills.
During this period we evaluate the missing skills and we work together in order to improve and develop those skills.
Now that you have passed phase one, let’s dive into phase two which focuses more on the technical aspect of your career. Firstly, and based on the missing skills that we noticed in phase one, the development plan is created with the objective of mastering those skills within a certain time frame that ends with a friendly follow up session with the team leader to see where are you standing.
Phase two of the development plan is based on OKRs that are set on measurable and specific outcomes. This provides clarity for both sides and provides direction.
The further you go the further limits are opened for you
What happens if you don’t follow that plan?
Simple answer, nothing.
You will be stuck doing the same thing for the rest of your career. It is a personal choice to grow, we are always here to help and guide you towards achieving a beautiful goal but without your efforts and strong will nothing will move forward.
Advice towards the younger generation
If not now, then when? This is the best time to invest in yourself, to read, to learn, to experience new things.
Don’t waste the golden era of your career as time uninvested is time wasted.
