Everyone dreams of a better career and greater opportunities. But before you look for them, determine whether you are willing to advance your career.
Self-doubt, procrastination, and lack of planning can cause your aspirations to fail. Therefore, the path to professional goals consists of steps you must go through systematically. Whether you want to change careers, find a job that makes you happier, or learn new skills, choose a starting point and move step by step.
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Here are some recommendations on how to boost your career.
Step 1. Determine your long-term goals.
Your motivation will help you find the way and move toward your dream career. However, waiting for pendulum magic to dare for positive changes in your professional life is unnecessary.
Instead, find your own ‘why,’ as recommended by TED Talk speaker and author of the bestseller “Start with Why” Simon Sinek. Successful leaders and companies all have one thing in common: a clear understanding of why they are in business, Sinek believes.
The goal should inspire you to keep going despite the first difficulties. Regardless of your experience or lack thereof, build a professional growth plan based on your desired destination. Then, write a list of actions you need to take to bring your dream closer to reality.
Step 2. Analyze current job descriptions.
When considering new job opportunities, even if they seem impossible right now, read 10-20 vacancies with a similar title on well-known portals such as LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, DOU, and Djinni. Write down the requirements for your desired position. It will give you a list of skills to get that job. Pay attention to the more universal ones to ensure your investment in new knowledge will pay off later.
Look at more than just the requirements. After all, work should meet your basic needs and values, such as:
- a company with a good reputation in the market;
- friendly working environment;
- advanced technologies and equipment;
- better remuneration;
- a sufficient number of days off;
- opportunities for training;
- insurance for you and your family;
- other benefits.
On average, we spend at least a third of our lives at work. Therefore, it is essential to have a sense of belonging, be satisfied with our choices, and, even better, happy and fulfilled.
According to “Employee Happiness Statistics & Facts – 2022 Research” of Acuity Training for IT companies, two reasons directly affect the state of happiness at work. The first one has to do with feelings of value at work. Happy employees feel they are valued. Secondly, they enjoy being part of a team. “Good team spirit is the biggest contributor to happy employees.”
Step 3. Learn new skills and practice.
With a list of needed skills, look for training opportunities. These include specialized courses, books, professional blogs, TEDx videos, technical conferences, and online training. It is essential to check and consolidate the acquired knowledge in practice.
Often we need someone to supervise and guide us in the learning process. So focus on finding a leader, coach, or mentor for yourself.
✓ At first, at a current workplace, reach out to a senior colleague with advanced skills or experience that could be useful.
✓ Continue your search in professional circles and associations of specialists in the chosen field or industry.
✓ Before working with the coach, ensure your values are aligned.
✓ Be open to feedback, and ask for it from other professionals you respect.
✓ Expand your professional network. It is not for nothing that they say that the environment shapes personality.
Step 4. Work on your brand.
To boost your career, you should be proactive and look for opportunities. However, you can make offers to find you. In particular, your professional growth is possible with social media if you use your profile to introduce yourself and present your skills and experience. LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are online platforms for showcasing your brand, expertise, and networking.
If you want your profile on social media to be effective and create a good impression, follow these rules:
- choose the social media that are most suitable for your profession;
- build a single style for managing your page;
- regularly publish posts on topics that are interesting to your audience and in which you are well versed;
- avoid conflicting issues and non-professional discussions;
- join groups where you can find helpful information about the chosen niche and participants’ experience;
- follow the profiles of colleagues who inspire you to share your story.
Set a path for continuous learning, be patient, and persevere as you hone your craft. The results will come soon. So, dream, plan, and make your plans come true.
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