Here's how you can effectively communicate your career goals to your supervisor.

2 Schedule Time

When you're ready to discuss your career goals, don't catch your supervisor off guard. Instead, schedule a dedicated time to talk. This shows respect for their schedule and ensures that you have their undivided attention. By setting a formal appointment, you also signal that the conversation is important to you and that you're approaching your career development with the seriousness it deserves.

3 Be Specific

Once in the meeting, be specific about your career goals. Avoid vague statements and instead, discuss concrete objectives and the steps you believe will help you achieve them. Whether it's leading a project, enhancing your skills through professional development, or aiming for a specific role, clarity will help your supervisor understand your ambitions and how they might support you in reaching them.

4 Listen Actively

Communication is a two-way street, so be prepared to listen as much as you talk. Your supervisor may have valuable feedback or alternative suggestions that could shape your career path. Active listening demonstrates your respect for their experience and openness to guidance. It's also an opportunity to understand the organization's perspective on career advancement and how your goals fit within its framework.

5 Follow Up

After your initial conversation, follow up with an email summarizing the discussion and expressing your gratitude for their time. This not only serves as a record of your conversation but also shows your professionalism and commitment to following through. Additionally, it gives your supervisor a reference point for future discussions about your career development.

6 Plan Together

Lastly, work with your supervisor to create a plan that aligns your career goals with the organization's needs. This might involve setting specific milestones, identifying opportunities for growth, or establishing a timeline for reassessment. Collaborative planning shows that you're invested in contributing to the nonprofit's success while pursuing your personal career aspirations.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?