In looking toward your next career step, list personal and professional goals.

These questions can help you clarify them:

• Why are you in your current field?
• Are your talents and personality traits fully utilized?
• Are education and training priorities where you work?

After you have answered these questions, take these steps:

• Career management. Take positive steps to achieve your objectives.
• Support. You’ll be able to move faster when an offer is tendered if your family endorses your choices.
• Networking. Your career network should include friends, current and former colleagues, vendors, industry contacts, recruiters, teachers and classmates.
• Skills. Make sure your skills are up-to-date.