For many, navigating a career path involves a clearly articulated strategy with set goals, a training plan and a step-by-step checklist to get from entry-level positions to the executive team table. For others, the path is much less directed but still fascinating and rewarding. My career path definitely falls in the second category, but its trajectory is marked by many of the recommendations shared in Navigating Your Leadership Journey in the Winter 2022 edition of Exchange.

Education followed by on-the-job training formed the critical foundation for my career. There is no question that the managers I have reported to and worked with as colleagues have been integral to my ability to progress quickly into new positions and gain valuable experience. Working with talented, experienced, strategic communicators with exceptional professional standards and solid ethics gave me models for my own professional development. I took training when it was offered, worked extra hours to learn new skills and gain much-needed experience, and I applied for and achieved positions that were often a stretch based on my level of experience. 

I started my career in the provincial government in Manitoba, and then I moved to the private sector to expand my experience beyond government. I joined the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) and became an internationally Accredited Business Communicator. Being part of a professional organization provided further opportunities for professional development through training, conferences, publications and other resources. I gained leadership experience by volunteering on the IABC-BC Board of Directors and the IABC Western Canada Board of Directors. With my training, work experience and accreditation, I was on a career track to achieve my goal to be a vice president of communications. Then, when that targeted position was offered to me, I turned it down to take a job with the City of Coquitlam that meant a pay cut but the opportunity to spend way more time with my son, who was three at the time. The decision was entirely based on what I felt was best for our family, but the opportunity to work with the City opened up a new world of communications and community engagement that have now become a key component of the services I provide as a consultant.

Like the Case Studies shared in this edition, my career path has gone in a variety of directions and it differs from others, but it’s been exciting, challenging and ultimately very rewarding. Sometimes I targeted an opportunity, and sometimes the new opportunities seemed to target me. But there is no question that continuous learning, mentors, professional association membership, colleagues and supportive organizations all played an integral role in my journey. 

For those who are starting their career, at the midpoint in their career or, like me, looking at retirement in a few years, the tools, advice and experiences shared in this edition provide a map that can help guide you through your own journey.