Career Growth Vs. Career Development: What You Need To Know

‍Tomayto. Tomahto. 

That’s what the terms ‘career growth’ and ‘career development’ seem like, right?

Different ways to say it, but possessing the same meaning.

That’s what most of us think.

But there's actually a teeny-tiny difference between the two terms.

And knowing this tiny difference can make a big impact on how you proceed with your career journey.

In this article, we’re exploring the meaning of career growth vs. career development, why they’re both important and some key tips to advance your career in the coming years.

Stay tuned.

What is Career Growth?

Think of career growth as climbing a ladder. 

It's when you move up in your job or profession. 

You start at one level; over time, you learn more, gain experience, and take on bigger responsibilities. 

This helps you move to higher positions with more authority, better pay, and more important tasks. 

Like how you start in a video game with a basic character and then strengthen them by earning points and levelling up, career growth is about becoming better and more successful in your work.

What is Career Development?

Imagine your skills and knowledge as tools in a toolbox.

Career development is about adding more and better tools to your collection. 

It's like learning new skills, getting more education, and becoming an expert at different things. 

When you develop your career, you become more valuable to your employer and more confident in what you can do. 

This is like collecting more power-ups and abilities in a game to become a super-skilled player.

How Are Both Connected?

Career growth is like adding more floors to a building: going higher and higher. 

Career development is like making each floor stronger and more useful by adding better furniture and equipment. 

Both growth and development strengthen your career and make it more successful. 

When you move up (growth) and have better skills (development), you become a super professional.

Knowing the difference between the two can help you:

• Create more strategic plans
• Adapt to the changing trends
• Commit to continuous learning
• Leverage opportunities better
• Achieve job satisfaction

It's like having a compass guiding you toward short-term success and long-lasting happiness. 

Remember, while growth is about going up, development makes you fly even higher.

Why are Career Growth and Development Important?

Growing means learning new things, getting better at your job, and taking on more responsibilities. It helps you move up in your job and earn more money.

Development is adding new skills and knowledge to your arsenal. It makes you more valuable. 

When you have more skills, you can do more things and solve more problems, making you important to your team and company.

Now, why do you need both for success?

Think of a car. 

If you only focus on making the car go fast (growth) but don't care for the engine and other parts (development), the car might break down.

On the other hand, if you only make the car look nice and shiny (development) but don't make it faster and more powerful growth), it might not win the race.

Success in your career is like winning a race. 

You want to move forward and have the right tools to reach the finish line. 

You become a strong and skilled professional when you grow and develop together. 

Key Tips for Advancing Your Career in 2023 and Ahead

Advancing in your career requires a thoughtful approach and ongoing effort. Here are some important tips to help you succeed. 

1. Make fool-proof plans 

It's important to have clear goals and plans to advance in your career. 

Think of it like planning a trip.

You need to know where you're going and how you'll get there. 

Set specific career goals, like getting a promotion or learning a new skill, and outline the steps you need to take. 

For example, if you want to become a manager, you might plan to take leadership courses and gain experience by leading minor projects.

Need professional help creating a strategic career plan? Try a free 1:1 mentoring session with an industry expert.

2. Practise continuous learning

Learning doesn't stop after school. 

It's like growing your brain muscles. 

Keep learning new things related to your job or industry. 

This could be through workshops, boot camps, or reading books and articles. 

For instance, if you're in marketing, you could learn about the latest trends in social media advertising.

3. Stay updated and active

Just like your phone needs updates to work better, your career needs you to stay updated too. 

Stay active in your industry by attending conferences, webinars, and networking events. 

This helps you learn about the latest developments and meet people who can help you grow.

4. Talk to people

Talking to people is like making new friends for your career. 

Connect with colleagues, bosses, and even people outside your company. 

Share your ideas, ask questions, and listen to what others have to say. 

This can lead to new opportunities and help you understand different perspectives.

5. Be open to feedback (and inculcate it)

Feedback is like a treasure map that guides you to hidden gems. 

Don't be afraid of feedback from others. 

It helps you see your strengths and areas for improvement. 

When you receive feedback, try to understand it and work on making positive changes. 

This shows that you're willing to learn and grow.

6. Be open to change

Change is like a wind that can take you to exciting places. 

Embrace changes in your industry and workplace. 

Be adaptable and willing to try new things. 

For instance, if your company adopts new technology, be open to learning how to use it. 

Being flexible makes you more valuable.

7. Get a career mentor

A mentor is like a guide who knows the path you're on. 

Find someone experienced in your field who can give you advice and support. 

They can share their wisdom and help you navigate challenges. 

For example, if you're a junior developer, a senior developer could be your mentor, guiding you through the trials of your career journey.

Final Thoughts

Both growth and development are interconnected and important for your overall success.

I hope this mini guide helps you understand the difference between the two and how to use both to climb that corporate ladder.

If you want personalised guidance and a clear roadmap to achieving your dream job, try a free 1:1 mentoring session with a MAANG mentor here.

Learn more about the benefits of mentorship for career growth here.

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Read more:

Overcoming Career Setbacks: 7 Tips to Bounce Back and Thrive

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