Careers come in many shapes and sizes!
If there’s one thing our employer partner Leidos have learned, there’s definitely no ‘one-size-fits-all’ – even for those interested in the same industries!
While some people know exactly what they want to do, many others are still working it out, so Leidos launched their annual Career Month.
What is Career Month?
Career Month is an opportunity for Leidos team members to learn more about career opportunities and uncover valuable skills.
This year’s Career Month included numerous sessions from internal and external guest speakers that all team members were invited to attend.
Career topics covered included:
- The different paths a career can take.
- How to have an effective career conversation with your team leader.
- How building confidence can help develop your career!
Keep reading to uncover more about these vital topics.
Career Paths are No Longer Straight
Gone are the days of just climbing the ladder!
Today, it’s more like climbing a tree, with many branches going in different directions.
People may wish to stay in their current role and do it well, decide to grow into a more senior position, or even want to change directions completely.
Here are three reasons a non-linear career path can benefit you:
- Adaptability and Diverse Skill Set: A non-linear career path often exposes individuals to various roles and industries, fostering adaptability and a diverse skill set.
- Innovative Thinking and Problem-Solving: Non-linear career paths frequently require individuals to think creatively and approach challenges from different perspectives.
- Personal Growth and Resilience: Varied experiences can lead to a deeper understanding of one’s strengths and preferences, aiding in more informed career decisions in the long run.
Having Career Conversations
A career conversation with your team leader is essential and can help you achieve your career goals.
Whether you know the direction you want to take or are unsure of your options, having a formal conversation can help you:
- Understand your next steps: Bouncing your ideas around with someone else can help you understand the practical actions needed to move forward.
- Gain insights into your strengths and skills: Your team leader usually has a clear view of your greatest strengths and skills – and can help you see the different types of roles you can apply them to.
- Learn about opportunities you didn’t know were available: Your team leader has access to information about all the different programs, opportunities and new jobs that might be emerging. Chatting with them can truly open doors.
Building Confidence To Build Your Career
Imposter syndrome, that uncomfortable feeling you experience when you think you’re unqualified and incompetent, can prevent you from achieving your career goals.
While imposter syndrome is a common experience for many, it’s not something you must live with! Here are three easy ways to overcome self-doubt in the workplace:
- Positive Affirmations: Counter self-doubt with positive affirmations. Remind yourself of past successes, skills, and capabilities. Affirmations can help reframe negative thoughts, boosting confidence and reinforcing a positive self-perception.
- Seek Feedback and Validation: Reach out to colleagues, mentors, or supervisors for constructive feedback. External validation can provide a more objective perspective on your performance and strengths, helping to dispel doubts.
- Set Realistic Goals and Celebrate Achievements: Break down larger tasks into smaller, achievable goals. Celebrate each accomplishment, no matter how minor, to build a sense of achievement.
Find Out More
Leidos is Australia’s largest commercial supplier of services to the Australian Intelligence Community.
They also maintain legislative websites for governments, provide critical systems integration projects to the Department of Defence and support the IT environment for the Australian Taxation Office.
There’s so much to explore with these science and tech-based leaders, and you can find everything you need to get started here at Explore Careers and their dedicated careers page.
