How to Talk to Your Boss About Your Career Path

Whether you want to turn your internship into a full-time job or not, you are in the perfect position to get the career advice you need by talking to your boss. Your boss is a valuable resource: He or she has been where you’ve been and knows what it takes to succeed both in the industry and at the company. While thinking about next career moves is common for any employee, for an intern, reaching out and asking for advice can be a little awkward. There are so many self-doubting questions that come up: “Is reaching out too aggressive? What am I supposed to say? What if I’m told that I’m not cut out for the type of job I want?”

Getting comfortable talking to your boss about your career path is important, but it’s just as important to know that–even if your skill set needs to be developed–you have something to offer. You were hired out of the many candidates who applied for the position. You have what it takes to find the right career for you–you just need to figure out how to get there. Talking to your boss can give you clarity, but first, you need to reach out and ask for guidance. Here’s how:

• Email your boss for a good time to meet and grab coffee for 30 minutes. No matter how busy your boss is, he or she has 30 minutes to speak with you. (Not to mention that your boss was probably going to grab a cup of coffee anyway!) In the email, be direct but professional, framing the conversation before it begins: “I’m interested in pursuing a career in X, but I need some direction on the steps I need to take in order to achieve this goal.” This statement lets your boss know what advice you’re looking for and how he or she can help.

• Ask as many questions as you can about the skills you’ll need to acquire and what your boss has learned in his or her role. For example, asking, “How did you get to where you are now?” or “How can I develop the skills necessary for a career in X?” will help you prepare for the amount of effort involved in the career path you’re considering.

• Most importantly, be proactive by asking for tasks that will help you grow. For example, if your boss says that writing skills are essential to your career path, ask for opportunities to develop, like jotting down a promotional blurb for the company or consolidating insights from a meeting. This will show your boss that you’re serious about pursuing your goals and will also create the opportunity for you to ask for his or her feedback on those tasks.

Talking to your boss is a great way to solidify your goals and get a handle on your next career steps – achieving your goals is a whole other process. Don’t worry – we’re here to coach you through it all.