Whether you’re new to the professional world or a veteran, it’s important to be an active participant in your own career. Instead of waiting patiently for your manager to approach you with new responsibilities or more challenging work, seek out opportunities for growth and involvement beyond your immediate daily duties. Raise your hand when something is intriguing or when your team needs help. Any new experience contributes to your professional development and helps build strong relationships. Don’t sit back. Instead, be willing to take some calculated risks that align with your career aspirations.
Seek Opportunities
Don't wait for opportunities to find you — actively seek them out. Identify assignments that mesh with your career goals and ask for the chance to take them on. If the task is outside your comfort zone, even better. Getting involved in projects beyond your typical scope of responsibility will help expand your skills and ultimately increase your value.
Be a Lifelong Learner
Your education shouldn’t end once you receive your degree. Stay up to date on your role and your industry by reading articles, attending conferences, joining professional organizations, and expanding your skill set via training sessions and workshops. Understanding the current status of your industry and having relevant skills make you well-rounded and, in turn, boost your confidence when it comes to taking on something new. In addition, by staying curious you will begin to look at information differently and share a fresh perspective with your team.
Network, Network, Network
One piece of advice you received as a student never grows old — continue to build your network. It’s important to branch out beyond your team and department. Get involved with your company and the industry at large by attending events and volunteering for projects on and off the clock. By expanding your circle, you’ll gain exposure to a larger professional network of industry leaders and even potential mentors.
Communicate Effectively
Each day is a chance to make an impression. Take the time to prepare for meetings, listen to colleagues, share your own thoughts and ideas, and support your team. Don't shy away from asking questions or providing constructive feedback, but also take ownership of your own successes and mistakes. Understand your strengths, be open to constructive criticism, and be willing to adjust as necessary.
Look Forward
Work with your manager and set goals that put you on the career path you want, then track your progress toward meeting those goals. Always look for ways to exceed expectations. Strive to be the person you would look up to — the one who is willing to help or go the extra mile. Setting goals for yourself on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis can help show your level of commitment to your work and your organization.
ON TOPIC
Your career is what you make of it. Don’t let an organization dictate your future. Instead, create it yourself by being self-aware, open to forming strategic relationships, and willing to continue to learn. Here are seven tips to keep in mind when striving for a rewarding career:
- Define “rewarding.” Understand your personal value system and what — aside from financial security — equals a fulfilling career for you.
- Know your strengths. Everyone has individual skills. What are yours? Once you know your strengths, leverage them by finding opportunities to put them into action.
- Set SMART goals. Establish goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound to help keep your career development on course.
- Never stop learning. Continue to acquire new skills and adapt to technological advances and industry changes. Stay curious.
- Nurture relationships. Find mentors who will guide you along your career path. Continue networking throughout your career to build positive relationships within and outside your organization.
- Listen to feedback. Routinely request constructive criticism from managers and trusted colleagues. Remember: Every piece of feedback is an opportunity to grow.
- Maintain a healthy work-life balance. It can be easy to let your work life overpower your personal life. Prioritize your mental and physical health, to sustain your energy and well-being. Doing so will pay off in your career and sustain fulfilling personal relationships.
