Your Career Deserves More Than Just an Annual Review

Career development is often thought of as an annual event, typically wrapped up in a performance review or a one-off discussion about future aspirations. Maybe there’s a goal-setting chat at the start of the year, or a quick “where do you see yourself” moment during a mid-year check-in. But then? It’s right back to the daily grind.

The thing is, your career isn’t something that only moves once a year. It’s constantly evolving—shaped by the work you’re doing, the skills you’re building, and the needs of your organization. And if you’re not talking about it regularly, it’s easy for your growth to take a backseat to whatever’s most urgent that week.

As someone who’s spent years in HR and had thousands of career convos with employees and leaders alike, I can tell you this: the folks who make space to talk about their career growth consistently (not just during review season) are the ones who tend to move faster, grow stronger, and feel more connected to where they’re going. If it’s been a minute since you and your manager talked about your development, here’s your sign.

Here are a few tips to help you build sustainable, meaningful career conversations into your regular routine with your manager—from your friendly neighborhood HRBP.

1) Schedule Dedicated Time

When things get busy (and they always do), career conversations are often the first thing to get pushed. I’ve seen it happen time and time again. That’s why I always recommend blocking separate time with your manager solely to focus on your growth. Not in your weekly 1:1 where you're both juggling priorities. I mean a separate check-in, monthly or quarterly, with the sole purpose of talking about you—your goals, your growth areas, and what’s next.

Let your manager know why you’re setting the time so they can come prepared too. When both people show up with intention, these chats become way more meaningful. By treating these discussions with the same importance as any other key business meeting, you reinforce the value of career growth and make it an integral part of your professional routine.

2) Prepare an Agenda (Even a Simple One)

Career conversations go smoother when you come in with a plan. Doesn’t have to be fancy—but a quick outline of what you want to cover makes a big difference. Think: What are you working toward? What skills are you building? Have you gotten any feedback lately worth digging into? Are there projects or teams you're curious about?

Having a clear agenda not only keeps the conversation focused but also demonstrates that you are serious about your career development. It allows you to drive the conversation in a way that aligns with your personal aspirations while also considering the organization’s needs. Moreover, sharing the agenda with your manager ahead of time can give them an opportunity to prepare their thoughts and contribute more effectively to the discussion, leading to a more productive and insightful meeting.

3) Reflect on Your Progress

Before you walk into that convo, take a beat and look back. What have you been working on? What’s gone well? What’s been tough? This little reflection ritual helps you connect the dots between your day-to-day and your long-term goals. It also gives you way more clarity on where you need support or how you want to stretch next. 

Additionally, by discussing your progress openly with your manager, you can receive targeted advice and guidance, ensuring that your efforts are aligned with both your personal aspirations and the organization’s expectations. When you can say, “Here’s where I’m growing—and here’s where I need support,” you’re inviting your manager into a true partnership around your development.

4) Seek Feedback & Guidance

This is the moment to ask the questions that don’t always fit into your regular check-ins. “How am I showing up?” “What do people come to me for?” “Where do you see opportunity for me to grow?”

Feedback is a critical component of career development, and regular career conversations provide the perfect opportunity to seek it. Getting feedback early and often helps you make small shifts along the way—before review season rolls around. Understanding how others view your contributions can offer valuable insights that you may not have considered, helping you identify any blind spots and areas for growth.

In addition to seeking feedback, use these conversations to request guidance on how to reach your career goals. Your manager can provide a broader perspective on the skills and experiences needed to advance within the organization. This guidance can help you chart a clear path forward, equipping you with the knowledge and support necessary to achieve your professional objectives.

5) Leverage the Conversation to Expand Your Circle

One thing I always remind people: career convos can be a gateway to building your internal network. If you’re curious about other roles, teams, or stretch projects, say so! Your manager might be able to make intros that open new doors.

Visibility matters. The more people who know your name (and what you’re about), the more opportunities you’ll have down the road. Start planting those seeds—you never know what might grow.  By leveraging your career conversations to make these connections, you can gain exposure to different departments, learn from other leaders, and potentially discover new career paths that you hadn’t previously considered. This not only enhances your visibility within the company but also positions you as a proactive and engaged employee who is serious about their professional development.

6) Make It a Two-Way Conversation

Career conversations should be a dialogue, not a monologue. This isn’t just your time to talk—it’s a chance to listen, too. While it’s important to communicate your goals and aspirations, it’s equally important to listen to your manager’s perspective. Ask them how they see your strengths, where they think you could grow, or even what they wish they knew at your stage. Making it a true back-and-forth creates stronger alignment and trust—and that’s the foundation of great development.

This two-way exchange can lead to a more comprehensive understanding of your role within the company and how you can grow. It also helps build a stronger relationship with your manager, as it shows that you value their input and are open to feedback. By fostering a collaborative approach to your career development, you can create a more supportive environment where both you and your manager are invested in your success.

7) Be Patient, But Keep At It

If you’re just starting to build the habit of regular career conversations, give it time. Some managers are naturals. Others might just need a little nudge—and that’s okay. 

Either way, keep showing up. Keep scheduling the time, bringing the agenda, and following up. The consistency will pay off—and eventually, these chats will feel like second nature. By staying committed to your career development and continuing to prioritize these discussions, you’ll gradually build a routine that benefits both you and your manager, ultimately leading to greater clarity, growth, and success in your career.

Now go get to work!

Your career is one of your most valuable assets, and like any asset, it requires regular attention and nurturing to grow. Whether you’re brand new in your role or deep in your journey, regular and thoughtful check-ins with your manager can be game-changing. These conversations are not just about setting goals—they’re about aligning your ambitions with the needs of the organization, seeking guidance, and continuously evolving in your role.

Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment to start. Just schedule the convo. Prep your thoughts. Reflect on how you’re growing and where you want to go next. The more proactive you are in managing your career, the more opportunities will come your way. Your future self will thank you!