By Patrina Pellett, PhD (Follow me on LinkedIn)

Let me ask you something: who’s responsible for your career growth? Is it your boss? Your company? A magical hiring manager with a secret roadmap to your dream job?

Spoiler alert: it’s you.

Here’s the thing. Waiting for someone else to hand you opportunities is like waiting for the pizza delivery guy to show up when you never even ordered a pizza. You have to take action, make the investment, and decide that you are worth it. Because you are. Here's why you should never leave your career growth in someone else's hands and how to get started working toward your dreams.

Why You Should Never Leave Your Career Growth in Someone Else’s Hands 

Sarah recently ran a poll asking, “Who should pay for employee professional development?” And 89% of respondents said: the company. 🤯

Wait, what?! Do you really think your company is going to prioritize your development when they’re busy chasing quarterly targets and balancing budgets? Investing in your professional development is not their job and probably not very high on their priority list either.

I get it. Maybe you think your company should foot the bill for professional development. After all, you’re working hard, and they stand to benefit from your growth, right? Sure, but here’s the reality: companies prioritize what benefits them, not necessarily you.

And even if they offer some training, is it truly the kind of skill-building that propels you to the next level, or just more of the same checkbox activities? (P.S. If your team needs impactful live training, let us help. Our programs are designed to make a real difference!)

When you take charge of your growth, you get to choose what matters to you. You can focus on the skills that will actually help you get that promotion, land that next role, or even pivot into an entirely new career.

This isn’t just about checking boxes. It’s about crafting the career you’ve been dreaming of. And when you invest in yourself, you’re saying: “I’m worth it, and my future is worth it too.”

How Investing in Yourself Changes Everything

Imagine this: you’ve just completed a course that teaches you how to stand out in interviews (like the Aspire MSL Program). You’ve revamped your resume, nailed your LinkedIn profile, and walked into your next opportunity radiating confidence.

What happens next?

→ You get noticed.

→You stand out.

→You get closer to your goals.

Personal investment has a domino effect, it: 

► Builds your skills

► Boosts your confidence

► Positions you as the go-to person in the room

Plus, it feels amazing to know that you’re actively taking steps toward your dream career.

By the way, if you’re looking for inspiration to kick things off, check out Tom Caravela’s MSL Talk Podcast. It’s packed with practical tips, success stories, and actionable advice to help you break into or grow within Medical Affairs. And for a steady stream of insights, strategies, and hacks, my Medical Affairs Value Blog is another must-read. These resources are gold mines for Medical Affairs professionals who are ready to level up.

Practical Steps to Start Today

1. Identify Your Gaps: What’s the one skill or area holding you back? Maybe it’s public speaking, networking, or even understanding industry trends. Whatever it is, put it on your list.
2. Find the Right Resources: Look for courses, books, or coaching programs tailored to your goals. (Psst… our Aspire MSL program is a fantastic place to start if you’re looking to break into or grow in the MSL field, and our Presentation Mastery Course will take your communication skills to the next level).
3. Set a Goal (and Budget): Commit to one personal development activity per year. It could be as small as a workshop or as big as a certification program. The key is to start.
4. Build a Habit: Growth isn’t a one-and-done deal. Make learning part of your routine. Listen to a podcast, schedule time to read, or join a community of like-minded professionals.

But What If I Fail?

Ah, the fear monster. “What if I invest in myself, and it doesn’t work out?” Tell the fear monster to get out of your head.

Here’s a better question: What if it does?

What if the skills you learn today help you land a better role tomorrow? What if the confidence you build opens doors you didn’t even know existed? What if you’re just one investment away from a total career transformation?

Conclusions: Never Leave Your Career Growth in Someone Else's Hands

You are the CEO of your own career. It’s time to act like it. Stop waiting for someone else to pave the way. Start making moves, investing in yourself, and taking charge of your future.

Because the truth is, no one is going to care about your career as much as you do. And that’s a good thing. It means you have all the power.

Now go out there, invest in yourself, and make it happen. We are cheering you on!

Reach out if you want to learn more about one of our programs to help you excel and follow the MSL Mastery LinkedIn page.