Machine Operators
25 October, 2022
Manifesting an exemplary career ahead of college is one such trail most of us tread on. From fulfilling our dreams to desiring a sound future, career planning continues throughout our life. It doesn’t matter where you start, but as long as you have a plan to sort out and surmount all obstacles that might come your way, you are on the righteous path.
Let’s dig into the topic to learn major aspects of career planning:
WHAT IS CAREER PLANNING?
Career planning is understood as that process by which the employee takes control of their career while optimizing personal strengths, skills, and goals; ascertaining the steps to achieve them by layering them in a career plan and reassessing it as they progress. It ensures that employees have a smooth career progression and fulfill all their personal and professional objectives. It is an ongoing process of becoming self- aware rather than a one-time activity.
In simpler terms, the career-planning process allows company employees to discover sassy educational, development, and professional opportunities that align with their preferences, passion, and life goals. Therefore, all prudent men aim to set long-term goals that they’re willing to achieve in 5, 10, or 15 years. They further set realistic short-term goals that boost their proficiency in helping achieve the long- range goal.
NOW, WHAT IS THE HYPE WITH PLANNING CAREERS? HOW IS IT VITAL FOR EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT?
The answer to this discourse lies in the inspirational maxim by Sir Winston Churchill wherein he says “he who fails to plan is planning to fail” and I promise we all should live by this quote to succeed in life because planning is worth the hassle. Employees who strive to make a self–assessment to clearly understand their adeptness and weak parts, prove to advance professionally in life. Adopting traditional techniques of career paths, counseling & career ladders provide employees a chance to upskill in the organizational hierarchy.
Without a career plan, an employee is a wanderer and his career will be determined by outside forces and situations. In an organization, an individual with a systematic career plan will eventually outshine other job holders. He will show more accountability, increase morale, and communicate bette
CAREER PLANNING: A HAND IN HAND APPROACH
From times immemorial, employees didn’t pay much heed to career development, it was supposed to be the responsibility of the organization. But with the evolution of the job market into a competitive one, job holders advocate more liking towards having a career plan at their disposal than social security and job benefits.
On-the-job training and off-the-job training are proven methods to encourage employee retention. All leading companies in Canada support their workforce by creating a work environment where employees can grow and learn to maximize their productivity.
S.M.A.R.T. CAREER PLAN: A Manufacturing-Level Smart Goal Example
The smart in Smart goal method stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-Bound. It should also align the career goals of the employee with the business goals of the employer. Try using the S.M.A.R.T. goal method to devise your goals:
S: SPECIFIC
The goals you are going to set should be clear and definable. They should not be a subject of ambiguity or must not be vague. A specific goal answers questions like:
What do I want to achieve?
Who is responsible for this goal?
What extra steps need to be taken to attain the goal?
E.g. While a general goal for an employee of the Manufacturing industry may be “to increase production of food products”. But a specific goal would be “to boost production to a level of 40% than last year”.
M: MEASURABLE
Any goal will be achievable if employers, as well as employees, build a solid criterion to track the progress, i.e. making sure the goals are measurable. You have to ask yourself:
How much do I have to accomplish in the given time?
How do I know when I’ve reached the finish line?
E.g. A manufacturing industry should incorporate measurable, traceable goals: each week of the month be dedicated to planning for increasing sales targets.
A: ATTAINABLE
A smart goal must be realistic and attainable. If it's highly difficult to achieve, you may probably lose motivation and confidence. You should challenge yourself to extract the best possible version of yourself.
Can this goal be reasonably accomplished?
Do I have the required resources to achieve this objective?
E.g. The target goal to add at least 30 customer satisfaction stories to the company website within a week doesn’t sound doable. Workers must adjust the goal as per their capacity.
R: RELEVANT
The smart goal must bear a solid connection with the subject of the goal. It should not deter from the main purpose. Your goal should matter to you. They should be placed in order of their gravity, urgency, and relevance.
E.g. For instance, machinists should aim to perform repairs on machines that are slowing down the production level; manufacturers to buy new equipment that could enhance productivity and reduce waste.
T: TIME-BOUND
Make sure your goal has clear time-frames, that is they have a start and finish date. Adhering to a constructive Time routine to accomplish your objectives will make you more discipline in the long run. Ask yourself:
What time of the day will I give towards realizing my goals?
By what date, do I have to finish the tasks?
E.g. Top management must set deadlines to achieve certain goals while not harming workforce wellbeing. E.g.: the time limit for setting up a marketing plan for the goods is 1 month.
E.g. Top management must set deadlines to achieve certain goals while not harming workforce wellbeing. E.g.: the time limit for setting up a marketing plan for the goods is 1 month.
4 Steps Career Planning Process
CAREER PLANNING PROCESS: From a manufacturer’s perspective
1. Self-Appraisal
Career planning is an ongoing process wherein employees assess various aspects crucial to their identity. It enriches their self-esteem as they become aware of their career choices, likings, values, aptitudes, dispositions, and preferred work environments. You can choose a list of good career options that suit you the best.
E.g.: Career pathways in the Manufacturing industry:
Research analysts
Logisticians
Quality auditor
CNC Machinists
Production Supervisors
Industrial designers
2. Conduct Research
In this step, you have to narrow down your list and eradicate occupations that don’t interest you. Networking, internships, part-time jobs, and job-temping are some excellent ways of exploring numerous career options.
E.g.: When opting for CNC Machining training, select a company with good job security, and compensation.
3. Choose Your Specialty
The next step in the planning process is to select a career path that matches your educational and career aims. Set realistic goals. Target the industry and designation you want to excel in.
E.g.: choose a career option that aligns with your university qualification. With an associate degree in Quality Management Systems, opt for the Quality Auditor position.
4. Launch Your Job Search
With a target job, you may start improvising on your resume and develop tactics in advance for doing well in interviews.
You can refer to our job interview guide that furnishes you with the do's and don’ts in a job interview for your dream position in the production industry.
A word from PCS
There’s no shortcut to success, you have to create a career plan that encompasses your career objectives, life goals, and skills for job enrichment. Career planning is a useful tool both companies and employees can apply to obtain mutual benefits. The thought and actions put into this process will determine the success of your enterprise in the long run.
