What is a career?

Work has changed out of all recognition in less than a generation.

• Unprecedented change and uncertainty has led employers to seek flexible and adaptable employees
• Globalisation, competition and financial constraints have led to massive restructuring, more short-term contracts and an emphasis on skills development. All sectors have been affected, including higher education
• Employment in small organisations is more common
• Continuous learning is vital to keep up with change.

If the future feels uncertain and you sometimes wonder if you have a career, remember that the conventional idea of a ‘job for life', steadily rising up a hierarchy, is now less relevant.  Careers now:

• are less likely to be set within a single organisation or even a single occupation over a lifetime
• can include paid or unpaid work, part-time or full-time, within an employing organisation or self-employment
• develop in a global job market

The balance of responsibility for career management has shifted from employer to individual. As job opportunities in one specialism or geographic region fade, others blossom.  To maintain employability, you need to be able to adapt to these changes by continuously developing and transferring your skills.