Reflecting on 2024

Taking a moment to evaluate your career can provide valuable insights into your progress and priorities. The fast-paced world of work often encourages focusing on immediate tasks, but a structured review allows you to harness your achievements, learn from challenges, and ensure you’re heading in the right direction.

Why review your career annually?

A career check-up is akin to a health check-up – it ensures you’re on the right track and highlights areas requiring attention. According to a recent survey by LinkedIn, over 60% of professionals admit to not revisiting their career goals regularly. Yet those who do report feeling more confident and better prepared to seize new opportunities.

Annual reviews are particularly vital in times of rapid change. With the advent of hybrid working, AI-driven automation, and an increasingly global job market, 2024 has likely brought significant shifts to your industry. Understanding how these changes impact your current trajectory is critical.

Key questions for your 2024 career audit

Start your career review by asking yourself the following questions:

1. What were my biggest accomplishments this year?
   • Identify your standout achievements. Did you exceed targets, lead a successful project, or gain a new qualification? Documenting these wins is essential for updating your CV and LinkedIn profile.
2. What challenges did I face, and how did I overcome them?
   • Resilience is one of the most sought-after qualities in today’s workforce. Reflecting on obstacles can reveal strengths you didn’t know you had and highlight skills to develop.
3. Do my current role and employer align with my long-term goals?
   • Research from PwC suggests that by 2030, career satisfaction will be increasingly tied to personal values and purpose. Assess whether your current job aligns with what truly matters to you.
4. How did I invest in my professional growth?
   • Training, networking, and mentorship can set you apart. If you’ve neglected these areas, consider making them a priority moving forward. What could you do differently? Are there any habits you need to drop?

Lessons from 2024 trends

Reflecting on your career also involves understanding external trends that have shaped your industry this year. For example:

• The Rise of Skills-Based Hiring: Many companies, including major players like Google and IBM, have shifted focus from degrees to specific skill sets. Have you gained or demonstrated in-demand skills like data analysis, project management, or adaptability?
• Economic Uncertainty: With inflation and economic challenges persisting, job security has been a concern for many. If you’ve weathered layoffs or budget cuts, how has this shaped your perspective?
• Mental Health in the Workplace: A Deloitte study found that 77% of professionals experienced burnout in 2023. Reflect on whether your current role supports your well-being or whether a change is necessary. Having diverse teams was a key trend in 2024 and will continue into 2025.

Conducting your career check-up

Treat your career review as a structured process. Start by:

• Documenting Achievements: Keep a record of your accomplishments, no matter how small. Tools like Evernote or dedicated career journals can help.
• Seeking Feedback: Ask trusted colleagues or mentors for input on your strengths and areas for improvement.
• Analysing Metrics: Look at measurable results such as sales figures, customer satisfaction scores, or project timelines – to assess your impact. Also reference back to your ‘why?’ what’s your purpose in the workplace?

Taking action

A career audit is only as valuable as the steps you take afterward. Use your findings to:

• Update your CV and online profiles.
• Schedule performance discussions with your manager.
• Research new roles, industries, or educational opportunities.
• Develop a personal development plan for continued growth.

Closing thoughts

Reviewing your career isn’t just about looking back; it’s about understanding where you stand right now. By taking time to reflect on 2024, you can gain clarity and confidence in your career journey. The world of work may be changing, but with a proactive mindset, you can ensure you’re always moving forward.