For some of you, you may well be seeking to have a career, more than a job. Often embarking on a career can be a long-term plan and even take years to achieve. If you’re thinking career is your priority for you, keep reading.
Set your goals
Before you get started on career advancement, you need to make a few decisions. Probably the biggest decision is whether you’re committed to growing a career. There are some sacrifices – are you prepared for them?
Before a decision is made, you need to do some research. Consider what you’re thinking of doing. Will there be a need in say 10 years’ time? Likewise, some of the careers in 10 years’ time have not even been thought of at present or created. We don’t have crystal balls, but often, if you research properly, give it some thought, you will more likely be making an informed decision. As an experienced coach, I believe it’s also important, that you like what you’re considering.
I recommend you start off with a list, and do your research. Once you’ve got to that point of knowing what career you want to pursue, then start setting some goals. Remember also to regularly visit your written goals, review how you’re going and tweak if needed. Something may have changed and your plan may need a diversion.
Chart your Path
Know what you need to do in order to achieve those goals.
- Explore the options that are open to you. Be practical around cost, commitment, outcomes etc.
- Make a decision. If there are two angles that you could pursue initially and you don’t have to commit to a certain direction just yet, then that might work well for you. For example, in medicine, IT, marketing – there are many ‘sub-categories’ or specialist areas.
- To achieve your career path, what do you need to do?
- Write these things down. I’ll talk a little more about some specific things further down.
- Build your plan. It’s always wise to write things down and put your plan to paper/device.
- Seek feedback from others; whether that’s a coach, mentor, lecturer, parent, trusted relative or person you respect. Ideally seek someone who is experienced and has your best interests at heart.
- Ensure your plan has action steps and planned timelines. Reasonable but set deadlines allow you to have a goal which is time-based and is more likely to occur.
Activities That Assist with Career Advancement
Whilst quite a few of these activities are actioned in the workplace to help you advance with your career whilst on the job, if you are not yet working, still have a read, as some things can be started before being in a job.
- Whether you’re partaking in formal studies, or are wanting to advance your position at work, education is always valuable. You don’t necessarily have to partake in an MBA, but look to be always learning. It might be reading every day, or listening to suitable Podcasts or audio books, attend short courses, workshops or seminars. Even just reading blogs, like this, add to your knowledge.
- Build a great LinkedIn profile. Again, whatever stage you are in your career, this is essentially your online resume, but it’s more than a resume; it’s something of a ‘sell’ of you, so work on this seriously. If you’re outsourcing this, do your due diligence; the most expensive isn’t always the best.
- Build a network and network your connections. I cover this in more detail in my NETWORKING COACH services.
- Make the most of company resources. Larger businesses often have resources for their staff; it might be training opportunities or educational resources – so if those opportunities are available, take up on them – with enthusiasm.
- Push yourself a little out of your comfort zone. It’s easy to do the same thing every day and change nothing, then nothing is likely to change. Challenging yourself helps you to do more, expand your skillset and stand out. Be committed and motivated to constant improvement and change – and doing important things which might be a little uncomfortable. Remember also, that a positive mindset will take you a lot further than one which is negative.
- Be curious. Whether that’s about your industry or your company. No one minds smart questions and a thinking mind. Work out who within the business is willing to share their knowledge and call on them with questions. Ideally, rather than bombarding just one person, have a few people you call on and share your questions; especially if you have a few.
- Get organised and become an expert at time management. People see a messy desk and think you’ve a messy mind. If you’re always late, miss deadlines or come into meetings disorganised, then you’re impressing no-one. Plus, if you improve these skills, it will make it easier for you to become more efficient, take on more, be more effective and overall, do better.
- Step up to the plate. If you take on bigger challenges, offer to be on a new project, stand up to be a leader, then you’re demonstrating your ability to be more.
- Help others. Again, a leader is often someone who helps others in doing their job, especially assisting a new recruit in settling into their job. Management and bosses notice who helps and is a team player, and who is just looking to advance their career.
- Honesty is always the best policy: whether it’s a mistake you’ve made or the desire to advance your career. If you communicate your ambitions to management, then they will know this is what you want. In reviews, communicate your desire to advance and ask how they believe that can be achieved. Is there some specific training they believe you need or a behaviour you need to improve? One of my clients was told to improve their public speaking skills so they could communicate with the Board more confidently. They knew their job and did it well, but when in front of the board, looked like they lacked confidence in the job, but it was actually confidence in public speaking.
- Work your personal brand. Just like businesses have a brand, so should individuals. This comes out in your behaviour, resume, LinkedIn, what you say and yes, your physical presentation. Always looking ‘scruffy’ or unkept sends the wrong message. Whilst we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, be realistic – everyone does! Dress for the position/career you want to be in, not where you are now. Part of your branding may incorporate community support or charity work.
- Value your time. Again, if career is important to you, then be sure to work on that and allow time for advancement and improvement. Remember though, this is often a longer-term strategy, so do have time ‘out’ to have some fun, recharge and relax. But think about whether 6 hours on Sunday arvo in front of Netflix is best use of your time. Remember to look after yourself, eat well, be healthy, exercise and have good wellness. Good habits in this regard now will stick with you throughout your life. a
- Finally, know your worth and be confident in asking to be compensated fairly. If a business or company is unwilling to pay you appropriately, will they be the place to advance within? Having said that, there is a right and wrong way to talk about money.
If you need any help with advancing your career, including personal branding, networking and advancing yourself, I can assist; just reach out to me at my CONTACT page. My passion is your potential!
Read Setting Personal Goals.
