Agile Career Pathways

It’s fair to say that UK careers are far from predictable. There is no better demonstration of this than the introduction of AI or the changes to our ways of working following a global pandemic. The demands and skill requirements of roles are changing - some may disappear completely. What is certain is that the world doesn’t stand still, therefore our careers shouldn’t either. Supporting employees to plan for their future career is core to retaining top talent within your organisation. Offering agile career pathways is one way to do this.

Agile means being able to move quickly. Promoting agile careers can equip leaders to adapt quickly to the fast pace of change and become better equipped to manage uncertainty, such as changing market demands, evolving employee needs, and the advent of new technologies. 

In this blog we’ll be exploring what we mean by an agile career, the common features of an agile career pathway, and the reasons people may choose an agile development path over a linear one. We’ll also look at some of the ways you might incorporate agile working practices into your daily routine. By the end, you’ll be armed with strategies to navigate change and embrace new opportunities.

What is an agile career?

The traditional view of career development is an image of someone climbing the ladder, rung by rung, until they reach the pinnacle and can’t go any further.

An agile career pathway couldn’t be further from this analogy. An agile career is a flexible, adaptable career that takes you up, down, sideways (and even round in circles!), as you explore and learn from the many different opportunities available to you. If you were to draw it, your picture would likely resemble a series of squiggles and corkscrews!

In 2022, Gen Z (employees aged between 16-25), overtook Baby Boomers to become the third biggest generation in UK employment. As UK workforce needs change, agile careers are becoming more commonplace. Gen Z, and Millennials before them, value flexibility, adaptability, and career development opportunities from their employers. Agile careers provide one possible solution.   

The principles of an agile career

Agile career paths follow many of the principles required by agile roles in IT, project management, and software development. These include:

• Self-reflection and continuous improvement - a consistent drive to reflect, learn and refine in order to grow.

• Proactive - having a positive mindset and being front-footed in response to challenges.

• Exploration - researching and exploring trends and developments in your industry and field of work.

• Resilience - being open to change and viewing it as a positive opportunity to learn and grow.

• Collaboration - embracing opportunities for teamwork, meeting new people, and learning from others.

• Creativity and innovation - using all the qualities above to seek out new, innovative solutions to develop your career.

• Flexibility - the confidence and ability to adapt in response to changing circumstances.

What are the benefits of an agile career?

Agile career pathways aren’t only for the younger generations, they are suited to all types of people. If you are unsure what kind of career you want or you would like a career change, following an agile path could give you the variety of experience and growth you crave.

Speaking more generally, an agile approach to career development may benefit people who:

• Feel uninspired or unchallenged by the conventional, linear career path

• Aren’t set on working in one area all their working life

• Want to experience different styles and areas of work

• Want to explore their own creativity and learn new things

• Thrive on a challenge

• Are motivated by the idea of adapting and flexing quickly to change

• Have a thirst for developing skills and knowledge, and enjoy exploring other interests alongside their day-to-day responsibilities.

What does an agile career pathway look like?

In reality, an agile career looks however you want it to look. Agile careers are not predetermined, they are what you want them to be. It is within your power to decide where you are heading and what your next challenge will look like.

The more flexible you are, the more scope there is to have agility in your career. That said, your employer must be on board with the idea of agile career development. It’s up to you and your employer how far and for how long you choose to pursue this path.

How to develop an agile career path

If you are considering, or would like to explore, the idea of an agile career, here are a few suggestions of how to incorporate agile principles into your career development.

1. Hone your agile skills - work on your problem-solving ability, develop change management techniques, seek out opportunities for internal and external collaboration.

2. Get a coach or a mentor - though both are associated with an agile career, these are two very distinct concepts. Coaching is one-to-one support to explore your personal career aspirations, mentoring is more specific advice and guidance from someone associated with, or working in, a role/industry you’re interested in exploring.

3. Be curious - investigate what’s going on in your industry, so you are aware of future developments and can prepare yourself to be in the best position to respond to them.

4. Take a general approach - focus your career aspirations in a general direction rather than setting your heart on a specific role. Research the potential roles and learning opportunities available to you.

Agile careers in a combined approach to growth

While the traditional ‘climbing the ladder’ route to career development is still valid, agile career pathways provide a realistic alternative. They can benefit employees who are looking for variety and continuous learning in their future growth and development. Thankfully, it’s not a question of offering one or the other. Providing a range of career growth options is key to helping every employee achieve their full potential. 

Further reading

Look back at our blogs on the Changing nature of career pathways over the years, Flexible working in 2024 and beyond, and The Future of Work in 2024. 

How we can help you

As always, if you’d like to discuss any of the issues detailed in this blog or require guidance on the creation of agile career pathways, get in touch with us today on 0161 941 2426.