Revisiting your identity

4 minutes

On this page:

Revisiting your career identity
The significance of self-reflection
Assessing shifts in values and interests
Tracking your development
Communicating your career change

Revisiting your career identity

As you navigate your career journey, it's essential to periodically reflect on your values, interests, wants, needs, and preferences. The Prosper Portal's reflect section provides valuable exercises for this introspection. In this article, we will explore the importance of periodically revisiting the reflect section and discuss effective strategies for communicating career changes to others.

The significance of self-reflection

Self-reflection allows you to gain clarity about your values, interests, and career aspirations. By revisiting the reflect section in the Prosper Portal, you can evaluate whether your current path aligns with your evolving sense of self.

This introspective process helps you stay connected to your authentic desires and make informed decisions about your career.

Assessing shifts in values and interests

As you progress in your career, your values, interests, wants, needs, and preferences may undergo changes. Revisiting the reflect section enables you to identify any shifts and evaluate their impact on your career path.

Suggested task

Reacquaint yourself with your interests, motivations, and skills. Have they remained consistent? Do they align with your current pursuits? It's crucial to periodically reassess.

Login or register to add these tasks to your personal development plan.

Horizontal scale running from 'values not fulfilled' at the extreme left to 'values fulfilled' at the extreme right. Four example words have been placed along this the scale to show the degree to which these values are currently fulfilled. In order of increasing fulfilment, the words are Leadership, Compassion, Helping others and Creativity. — The horizontal scale provides a spectrum running from 'values not fulfilled' at the extreme left to 'values fulfilled' at the extreme right. Four example words have been placed along the scale to show the degree to which these values are currently fulfilled. In order of increasing fulfilment, the words are Leadership, Compassion, Helping others and Creativity.

Tracking your development

Become a logged-in user of the Prosper Portal to efficiently track and monitor your professional development. By using this valuable resource, you can easily document your career milestones, set goals, and track your progress over time.

The Career Navigator tool offers guidance and tailored recommendations to support your continuous growth. Don't miss out on the opportunity to optimise your career journey by becoming a logged-in user of the Prosper Portal.

Communicating your career change

Effectively communicating your career change is crucial when discussing it with colleagues, mentors, or potential employers. Here are some strategies to help you navigate this process:

Self-awareness: Before engaging in discussions about your career change, ensure that you have a clear understanding of your motivations and reasons behind it.
Clarity in communication: Clearly articulate your career change by conveying your genuine enthusiasm and passion for the new path. Use specific examples and experiences from your self-reflection process to support your decision. Explain how this change aligns with your values, interests, and long-term goals.
Positive narrative: Craft a positive narrative around your career change that highlights the growth and learning opportunities you seek. Emphasize the transferable skills and valuable experiences you have gained, which make you a valuable asset in your new direction.

For example:

"I am thrilled to announce my decision to transition from a postdoc role to pursue a career as a data scientist. Through deep self-reflection, I have discovered my passion for harnessing data to drive innovation and solve real-world challenges. I have actively pursued additional training and education to bridge any knowledge gaps and enhance my skills in data science. I am excited to apply my research expertise, analytical mindset, and dedication to make a tangible impact in this field. I am grateful for the support of my mentors and colleagues throughout this journey, and I am committed to continuous learning and staying current with the latest tools and technologies. I look forward to the endless possibilities and opportunities for personal growth and professional fulfilment as I embark on this exciting new chapter as a data scientist."

Seek support: Find mentors, trusted colleagues, or career advisors who can provide guidance and support throughout your career change process. Their insights and perspectives can help you refine your communication strategy and navigate any challenges that may arise.

When communicating your career change, remember that it's not just about talking, but also listening. Be open to feedback and engage in meaningful dialogue with others. Consider their perspectives and insights, as they may offer valuable advice or alternative viewpoints that can enrich your decision-making process.