Have you got a 5 year plan for your career or life? Have you successfully raised your profile to get another job and if so, how?

[WideWebWitch]

I know where I want to be in five years (running my own business, although I haven't quite worked out how to get there yet, working on it) but in the meantime, I want to maximise my earning potential over the next 5 years. I've been in my current job a year so reckon I ought to move in six months to a year to get more experience and a larger payrise than if I stay where I am. Plus I'm on 3 months notice so even looking now would mean I wouldn't potentially move for another six months, depending on how long the process takes.

So what can I do to maximise my chances?

I don't want to say too much about what I do or where I work but I have good specific transferable experience in an area which affects many companies. I was wondering about trying to get myself invited to speak at some conferences or seminars to raise my profile/advance my future (5 year) career but how would I go about doing this? I have some contacts but this sort of profile raising stuff has only recently occurred to me.

Any wise words welcomed. Also, how do you get invited to be on those sort of committees/directorships where you only have to attend a few meetings a year but get paid some piddling amount for doing so but it looks good on your cv? Or am I just dreaming and is that only for when one is 50+ and already at the top?

TIA.

a couple of things my dh did which really helped advance things for him over the long term were writing articles for relevant industry mags (didn't take long for him to get a regular column) and answering questions on relevant internet forums and so getting seen as a bit of an expert in his field.

That's a good idea Phatcat and I have written in trade mags (on slightly diff but related subject) in the past, I'll work on that one.

I'm applying for this IMB

but I think the one yoy are after is here
public appointments

I am in job hunt mode at the moment..the only thing which might go in my favour is the new age discrimination laws about to come in in a moths time!

No. I don't believe in 5-year plans. They're too American for me. My very nature rebels.

Too American? Traitor!

They are, Uwila.

I hated all that work is the bomb shite.

Was glad to get away from it.

Too bad we can't lose all the silly bizniz jargon - 'blue sky thinking' 'ballpark figure''commitment flexibility' tosh.

expat if you don't like blue sky thinking what do you think of Horizon scanning..a whole goverment webiste devoted to it

"Horizon scanning is the process by which HSE ensures that it is aware of developments, trends and changes in the medium to long-term future that could have an impact on its ability to act as an effective and efficient promoter and regulator of health and safety in Britain."

Well, as well as the obvious like updating qualifications, look for opportunities where you can influence and make a difference.

My DH is currently doing an MBA but he has also become involved in a charity and taken on responsibility for finding corporate sponsorship. He is also publishing in peer reviewed journals and as a result of that, he is receiving invites to present papers at conferences and to chair sessions. He also used to be involved in committees for the Royal Society of Chemistry.

I work part-time 3 days a week but I am doing a Diploma in computing and learning German. In addition, I have just been appointed as a non-executive director on my NHS trust. Before I had my twins, I also sat committees for the Royal Society of Chemistry and Management Institute where I organised conferences and meetings. I also use to publish papers in trade magazines but now that I am working in a new area, that is not possible but in time, I'm hoping that I will be able to.

I've only just seen these new posts, thanks. I am applying for jobs atm and have JUST missed a conference that would have been good but I am looking for others that could be networking events.