4 · Your HR Career
Managing Your Career in a Rapidly Changing World
Ernest Ogunleye, Vice President
It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul. — “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley Nelson Mandela often invoked these words during his bleakest days on Robben Island. His illustrious career evolved from lawyer to non-violent civil rights activist, armed freedom fighter, political prisoner, peaceful transition negotiator and South African President, finally ending as a private citizen. He remained true to himself at great
personal cost and was instrumental in achieving his goal of a democratically robust South Africa. Fortunately, for most of us the challenges we face in our daily lives aren't this drastic—but they still require action and direction. In relation to our HR roles, we must take charge and set our own career objectives. Do you have a yearning to work in the private, public or non-profit sector? Are you
self-employed or thinking about starting a consulting business? Are you interested in travelling or relocating, either domestically or internationally? These are just a few questions you need to explore when determining what you want from your career. Planning with Your Future in Mind Relying on others to plan your career is unrealistic and impractical. You must
If the wind will not serve, take to the oars. —Latin proverb