How to Progress in Your Career 01
March 31, 2009 | In: Career, Self Improvement
How to Progress in Your Career 01
Goals
Know your career goals. If you haven’t formulated them yet, then it’s time to sit down and reflect. Try to answer the following questions:
- Do you like your present career?
- Which career do you really want to be in?
- What skills can you learn from your present career?
- Will this career help you to get to the career you want?
- What should I do to excel in the career that I want?
Be honest in your answers. All these would help you clarify the steps you would need to take to make sure that you do not stagnate in your profession.
Skill Set
Make a list of the skills that you have right now. Rate your expertise in that particular skill. Mark those that you wish to improve on. Add also the skills that you wish (or need) to learn. Note beside these items how you can improve your skills – whether through formal lessons, or learning on the job. Add or cross out items on this list as you make improvements.
Network
Diversify your network by interacting with different groups of people. Not only will you be able to meet people who could be valuable to you, career wise, but dealing with different people will also broaden your perspectives. This will help you to understand different personalities and will teach you to think outside the box.
Documentation
Create a professional portfolio. Keep here all the certificates (exams, seminars,workshops, trainings, etc.) and commendations you receive at work. This will help you update your resume easily, and not to mention you’ll have ready proofs when asked for credentials in the future
Education
If having an Masters degree is required in your company so you can further in your chosen career, then you might consider furthering your formal education. However, education in this sense can also mean the knowledge you get from experience. Try to learn everything (skills and know-hows) that you can from every aspect of your work or the industry where you work. Get down and dirty if you must. Theory is nothing if you can’t apply it in the real (business) world.
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