Using a Role Model to Plan Your Career
We all have someone we look up to. It makes no difference whether it is professional or personal. Someone has accomplished what you want, and you may learn from them.
Most people think this is clear and easy, yet they are mistaken. They choose the incorrect role models or imitate the wrong elements of their role model’s life.
Finding a role model and utilising their narrative to guide your professional path does not have to be difficult. Below mentioned are the most essential steps to doing it effectively below.
How to Choose the Best Role Model
Look at yourself first before looking for a role model. Before you can pick someone to model your career after, you must first grasp what you want and who you are. Consider this: what might a wonderful day look like to you in 20 years?
Take a blank piece of paper and begin writing down your objectives and the qualities of a successful day as you define them.
Putting ideas to paper has a kinetically exciting connected quality to it, enabling you to delve deep and let your thoughts flow. Although many people find it difficult to begin writing, once you get started, you will discover that thoughts emerge from deep inside. You may be shocked by what comes out – accept it.
It’s alright if your motives, objectives, ambitions, or dreams do not come out linearly; we are not built to think in a straight line in the first place. Take it out and jot it down.
Your goals may include a certain amount of income, which is OK as long as you understand what that money will buy—grad school, family support, financial independence, and so on.
You may want to explore the world above everything else. Perhaps you’d want to assist non-profit organisations or social projects. There are no incorrect answers here, just guidelines for your career.
Once you know what you want, you may start looking for a leader who began where you are and has accomplished all you want.
Don’t Be Afraid to Look Outside Your Organization
A common error that young people make is being infatuated with their own company’s executives and choosing them as role models. You may work for your perfect role model (if that’s the case, consider yourself very fortunate), but don’t be hesitant to explore outside your team.
Seek out leaders from any industry who speak to you. Look for leaders not just for what they are doing now, but also for their backstory and journey.
Keep in mind that you don’t have to limit yourself to CEOs; you may learn a lot from individuals who are only a bit more senior than you. After all, they are the most visible and offer the clearest path to the next professional level.
Ask Your Role Model These 3 Questions
When you’ve identified a leader that comes from the same background as you and has accomplished what you desire, ask the following questions:
- Where did they study, what did they study, and did they graduate?
- What was their professional path, and how did they move within and between companies?
- Who did they form connections with in order to achieve their objectives?
While comprehensive information may not be available, personal interactions may teach you a lot. Furthermore, do not underestimate the sheer volume of tales and professional history shared by CEOs in conferences and publications.
Alternatively, you can just contact them.
You’d be amazed how many CEOs are willing to speak to you, especially if you’re young and in school. The goal is to demonstrate initiative, to offer them a hint that you may be worth knowing someday.
