Career development survey

The Democrat is planning to help each newsroom employee develop individual career plans. The goal is to help all employees advance in their careers and improve the quality of the newspaper.

This survey is designed to gather your input on individual career goals and a sense of how well the Democrat currently helps people get ahead in their careers.

I will share the results of this survey with your supervisors and, working with them, will come up with an individual plan to help you reach your goals.

Career goals

1. In your career, what would you like to be doing one or two years from now? Five years from now?

2. Do you feel it is possible to build a career here at the Democrat, or do you anticipate moving on to another newspaper at some point? What factors make you feel this way?

3. If you see another Knight Ridder newspaper as a possible career destination, what papers are you considering?

4. What are the most important skills you bring to your job?

5. In your job, and thinking of your career development, what would you like to be able to do better?

6. What can your supervisor and the Democrat as an organization do to help you achieve your goals?

7. The Democrat has initiated News U and brown bag sessions. Have you taken part in any of the sessions? What would make it easier for you to attend sessions?

8. What topics would you like to see on the brown bag schedule?

Working at the Democrat

9. Do you feel you are recognized for good work?

10. What makes working at the Democrat rewarding for you? What could we do to make things better?

Please answer the following questions about working at the Democrat using a scale of 1 to 5. Write your answer in the space before the question.

[ 1=Strongly Disagree; 2=Disagree; 3=Not Sure; 4=Agree; 5=Strongly Agree ]

_____ I have the materials and equipment needed to do my work right.

_____ I have the opportunity to do what I do best every day.

_____ In the last seven days, I have received recognition or praise for my good work.

______ My co-workers are committed to doing good work.

______ In the last six months, someone has talked to me about my progress and professional growth.

______ In the past year, I have had opportunities at work to grow and learn.

______ At work, my opinions seem to count.

11. If you have any other comments on the Democrat's working environment, or your career plans and needs, please add them here.