What are your career goals for 2015? The right skills can lead to recognition, growth and new options – if you plan it right. We have a list of questions to ask yourself as you plan out any training you may want to take on in the next year.

Set your goals

What is your ideal next career move, and what kind of knowledge does it require? Take a look at your situation and decide whether you are interested becoming more specialized or more generalized. If you really enjoy one specific technology, it might be time to focus there. If you know your company is looking for people with skills you don’t yet have, maybe focus on which new areas you can become certified in. Create actionable goals that will guide your yearly plan.

Research Your Options

Where can you go for resources? Depending on whether you want to focus on a product or a certification, VMware offers different Learning Paths to follow. Our tools are available to help you understand which path will best suit your needs, and help you plan your next step.

Engage With Your Employer

How can my manager help? Once you know what you’re hoping to achieve, we recommend connecting with your manager to ensure that s/he is aware of the effort you’re expending, and is there to support you. Skilled IT employees are in high demand, and once you’ve talked through how your personal development plan intersects with the needs of your organization, you’ll be setting yourself up for a very successful year. Plus, many companies may be willing to pay for training and allow for time off to attend the classes.

Identify Your Training Style

Do you learn better in a classroom, via live online sessions, or on your own schedule? Plans may always change, of course, but having something in place now will make it that much easier to stay focused over the coming year. We have several delivery options available, so that you can learn via the method that works best for you. Make sure you understand how your training will fit into everything else you have planned for the upcoming year.

Need help? We’re always happy to lend a hand in creating personalized training plans. There’s so much to learn, and before you know it the new year will have started! Let 2015 be the year you take your career to the next level!