Are you looking to grow your career this year?
Right now, more than ever professionals are looking for ways to manage and take their careers to the next level. With a more than ever educated workforce, individuals are considering upgrading their skills, moving into the next promotion, and switching companies or industries altogether.
Career growth is different for everyone, for some it might be a more lateral move to learn more about their industry in a similar role with different responsibilities, or it could be about moving up into a director role. Professional growth also comes in obtaining professional designations, improving existing skills, or taking on new experiences.
Strategies to Grow Your Career
Be clear about what you want – setting clear expectations with yourself and those who you work with is important. If you want to move into a manager role within your current company or industry, look at what others have done to achieve such a goal. Check out LinkedIn to see what other people have studied, volunteered with, or the types of roles they did to get where they are now. One important thing to keep in mind is that not everyone’s career paths are the same, so a position that might have taken one person several years to get to, might take less for others to achieve. However, getting an idea of what others are doing might give you ideas as to activities you can take part in to gain new skills and experiences.
When making your plan consider alternative opportunities such as volunteering or joining a board of directors to give experience or to share your expertise. These methods are also a great way to network and potentially find your next job opportunity.
Setting goals is also effective when setting yourself up for your next career move. Do you have a degree or professional designation you want to finish? Or simply need new connections? What about learning new software programs? These are all aspects of your career you could consider looking into to add to your resume and make your skills more marketable. When setting goals break them down into smaller tasks of what you need, or who you will need to connect with to make a strategic plan. For more information on goal setting, check out my other blog here.
Let’s look at a few other strategies to use when looking to grow your career:
Building New Relationships – Networking is key. You probably hear this a lot. People are often not too sure if networking works, but the truth is that networking has lasting effects that will benefit you in the long term if you maintain healthy relationships with those that you connect with. Networking has a lasting effect if you go into a networking relationship as someone who is looking to help others out. Reach out to others who are looking to network and see where you can collaborate while building sustainable relationships. Networking can lead to business opportunities and employment.
Professional Associations – Joining a professional association was probably the best investment I have ever made in my career. Most professional associations have opportunities to volunteer, which leads to networking, along with chances to attend professional development sessions and classes. If you work in an industry that has designations, there is a good chance that your association offers those classes or can connect you with where to take these classes. Along with this associations offer discounts on things like insurance. Joining one of these groups has long-term opportunities that pay off in the long term, plus you get the chance to meet new people along the way.
Building New Skills – Taking courses and rebuilding your skills to the next level is paramount in staying relevant in your professional life. Getting small certificates up to a professional designation are both important. While attending classes you get a chance to meet new people, while learning. Employers are always interested in individuals who are looking to grow professionally and personally. Continuing education also helps you to stay relevant in your industry (which can be the answer to an interview question in some interviews). Also, reading books on business, personal growth, or anything related to your profession is a great way to build your skill portfolio.
Career Planning – Career planning sessions with your manager, coach, mentor, or even by yourself can prove beneficial. When you are planning your career and writing out your goals you can brainstorm and be creative with what you want to do. This is where some creative ideas are born! When career planning with a mentor or manager be honest about where you want to go in your career. When I first started my career as a Customer Care Representative, I was honest with my manager that I wanted to work as a Recruiter, and she found a way for that to happen for me. I eventually ended up moving into the Human Resources department of the company I was working for. So don’t be afraid, to be honest about where you want to go with your career when given the opportunity. For more strategic planning opportunities check out my other blog here.
Career growth is both a give and take relationship, however, the focus should be always on seeing where you can help others and develop relationships. Building new skills and showing up is also important. If you know where you want to go with your career surround yourself with people who are where you want to be and learn from their expertise.
Bliss + You 