Setting Up a Career Check-In Routine: Reflect, Assess, and Adjust

In healthcare, where work is busy and often stressful, taking a moment to think about your career goals can be powerful. Having a monthly or quarterly career check-in routine can help you stay focused on your professional goals and make meaningful progress over time. For many international healthcare professionals, adjusting to new technology, systems, and expectations is part of building a successful career in the US. By regularly setting and reviewing your goals, you can address these challenges step-by-step, consider whether you want to pursue additional education, and create a path for long-term growth. In this guide, you’ll learn simple steps for setting up a career check-in routine to reflect, assess, and adjust your goals.

Why Regular Career Check-Ins Are Important

Healthcare professionals face unique challenges, like long hours, high stress, and constant learning. Checking in on your career goals can help you:

• Stay on track with what you want to achieve
• Notice areas for improvement
• Celebrate your accomplishments
• Make changes to stay aligned with your career goals

A career check-in does not have to take a lot of time. 15-30 minutes each month or quarter is usually enough to help you stay focused.

4 Steps to Guide Your Check-In

Step 1: Reflect on Your Progress

Reflecting is about looking back on what you’ve done since your last check-in. Use these questions to guide your reflection:

• What am I proud of?
  ‍Think about moments when you helped a patient, learned something new, or supported your team. Recognizing your achievements, even small ones, helps build confidence.
• What challenges did I face?
  Identifying any problems you faced, like balancing your schedule or learning new skills, can help you focus on areas for improvement.
• How do I feel about my work?
  Consider if you feel happy, fulfilled, or if something feels missing. Your feelings about your role can indicate if you are moving in the right direction.

Write down your answers if you’d like. This reflection will help you in the next steps.

Step 2: Assess Your Goals

After reflecting on your recent experiences, it’s time to look at your career goals. Review each goal you set for yourself to see if you’re making progress. Ask yourself:

• Am I making progress?
  Think about how far you’ve come since setting each goal. If you haven’t made progress, ask yourself why.
• Are my goals still important?
  Sometimes, goals need to change. Check if each goal still feels right for you. For example, if you planned to focus on a certain skill but have found a new interest, you might adjust your goals.
• Do I need new goals?
  ‍If you’ve completed a goal, set a new one that continues your growth. For example, if you completed a training course, consider how you can apply those skills in your work or look into further training.

Step 3: Adjust Your Goals

Career check-ins are a chance to make adjustments if needed. Based on your reflection and assessment, think about whether to make any changes, such as:

• Changing your timeline
  If your goals are too challenging right now, consider giving yourself more time. Or, if you’re progressing faster than expected, adjust your deadlines to reach your goals sooner.
• Setting new priorities
  If your focus has changed, make sure your goals reflect your new priorities. For example, if you’re interested in a new skill, focus your goals around it.
• Adding specific steps
  Break down your goals into smaller steps. For instance, you could sign up for a course, connect with a mentor, or practice a new skill.

Step 4: Track Your Check-Ins

Keeping up with regular check-ins is key to reaching your goals. Here are some tips for staying on track:

• Set reminders
  Put your check-in time on your calendar like an appointment, so you don’t forget.
• Keep a journal
  Write down your reflections, goals, and any changes you make. Looking back on past entries can be encouraging and show how much you’ve achieved.
• Celebrate your successes
  Recognize and celebrate when you achieve a goal or make progress. Acknowledging your accomplishments, both big and small, can boost your motivation.

The Benefits of a Career Check-In Routine

By creating a habit of checking in with yourself, you can stay focused, motivated, and on the right path in your career. Taking a few minutes to reflect, assess, and adjust can help you achieve your career goals and increase your job satisfaction. Start with small steps, stay consistent, and see how this routine helps you grow in your profession.