Studying Future Trends

Looking at changes coming down the pipeline in your industry is a great way to navigate your career development and learning plan. Take time once a year or so to think forward in your career and look for neat niches you can steer toward as one strategy for knowing what learning experiences will best add to your repertoire.

Other ways to stay ahead of the curve are to read the professional literature, host special events, and have periodic informational interviews with experts in your field.

Most importantly, keep asking yourself questions to encourage your brain to make connections and notice developing trends. Use questions such as:

• What is the biggest problem in my career field right now?
• What industry is my industry starting to merge with?
• How will changes in the industry influence what happens in my occupation?