How to have career development conversations

“Where do you see yourself in five years?”

It's a loaded question that you’ve probably asked yourself at one time or another. You’re not alone. It has echoed in the minds of countless people at various stages of their careers as they think about their career development.

Career development conversations, though important, can be intimidating. But they are a critical step toward unlocking opportunities for growth and advancement. 

And with the senior living industry having added jobs at an annual rate of 3.9% from 1990 to 2016 , there are plenty of opportunities for growth in this industry. So whether you're charting a chef's career path or contemplating the next steps in your caregiving profession, this blog serves as your guide to navigating career development conversations and offers insights applicable to various roles. 

Preparation is key

Preparation is the first stage in steering your career onto the path you want to go. 

Consider where you currently stand and where you want to be in the future. Understanding your goals and dreams is the key to starting a conversation that leads toward your desired outcomes.

Remember that professional growth requires you to spot areas for improvement. Reflect on your skills and past experiences, and how they match up to the skills and experience needed for your chosen career path. 

When you find the gaps, the next step is to create a comprehensive career development plan during the conversation so you know just what you need to do to upskill.

It's also a great idea to look at trends within the senior living industry. This way you plan ahead and start building the skills you will need in the future.

Embrace each role as a stepping stone

According to a Women in the Workplace report, between 44-48% of leaders have moved roles recently to push forward in their careers. So whether you're a caregiver aspiring to take on more responsibilities or a chef mapping out a long-term career path, don’t forget to view your current role as a stepping stone. 

After all, each experience contributes to your professional journey and can be leveraged for future opportunities.

Each role and new responsibility is a step on your professional journey. Take too many steps too fast, and you may find that you’ve missed out on building some critical skills. “One step at a time” couldn’t be a better mantra to play through your head as you approach these career development conversations. 

Clearly communicate your goals

Clearly express your professional ambitions. Clarity allows for more focused and constructive conversation about your career path.

Your manager or employer should be open and receptive to your wish to grow within the company. When you are clear about where you want to go, they can help you find the right steps to get there.

Whether it's mapping out a career path from server to cook or a caregiver aspiring to take on more responsibilities, SRG encourages individuals to express their ambitions openly. 

Our commitment to professionalism and ambition aligns with our core values. It ensures that every career conversation is a step toward your brighter future and helps our valued employees reach their goals.

Move along your career development with clear conversations

Career development conversations are a vital tool to move along your career. To approach them in the most constructive way, go in prepared and clearly communicate your goals. 

Remember to follow up afterwards. Career development is not an isolated conversation but an ongoing process. 

At SRG, we encourage individuals to explore diverse opportunities within our senior living facilities. We emphasize the importance of continued revisits and revisions to career development plans based on evolving goals.

Visit our career development page to discover how we nurture and support the growth of our employees. Whether you're a chef, caregiver, housekeeper or driver, SRG is not just a workplace; it's a community that values your aspirations and contributions.