Completing your degree is a huge accomplishment marking a milestone in your career, as is landing your first professional job related to your program of study, or securing a promotion upon graduation. However, these accomplishments are only the beginning of managing your career over the long term.

In our global society and knowledge economy, now more than ever, you have the power to influence the direction of your career, by paying close attention to how your role, organization, and industry are changing and always looking ahead to what’s next. You also need to remain aware of how you are growing and changing and how your goals and aspirations may be evolving over time. Skills you are excited about using now, or tasks that fuel your engagement, may be boring after a while.

Effective career management may also involve engaging in lifelong learning, whether that is pursuing more formal education or taking advantage of informal learning opportunities such as going to conferences and events and engaging with continuing education or pursuing industry certifications and designations. You may want to take on special projects – both paid and volunteer – to expand your skills and build your network or consider finding, or even becoming, a mentor. The possibilities and options are endless. The key is to be intentional and manage your career in the way you want it to grow and change. After all, if you don’t, who will?