Advancing your career isn’t something you should leave to change. Instead, it’s best to take control of the situation as much as possible. You can propel your career forward with greater ease by making intelligent choices. If you aren’t sure where to begin, here are some strategies to help.
Don’t Underestimate the Power of Networking
Networking will always be a powerful tool for keeping your career on track. Whether you’re looking for a new position, a mentor to help guide you, or insights into your field or industry that you can leverage networking makes it more accessible.
Ideally, you want to network in two directions. First, network at your current company. Get to know other professionals in your department or allied fields, as well as members of management. Second, use a traditional route to connect with professionals outside of your company, giving you access to more insights and opportunities.
Volunteer for Projects That Boost Visibility
When projects become available at your current company, volunteer to participate whenever your schedule supports the additional work, particularly if they can boost your visibility. Often, this means focusing on high-profile projects or struggling to find project members.
In the former, a degree of visibility is inherent. With the latter, you’re willing to position yourself as a team player willing to put the company first. In the end, both can work in your favor.
Identify and Acquire the Right New Skills
Boosting your skillset is a classic way to keep your career moving forward. However, if you want to fast-track your path to success, make sure you choose the right capabilities.
If you’re hoping to move up internally, identify skill gaps in your workgroup that you could potentially fill. That way, you’re adding a missing capability to the mix, providing exceptional value to your employer.
Another option is to research emerging trends in your field or industry. See what capabilities will become critical within the coming years, then work to acquire them ahead of the rise in demand. That way, you boost your marketability dramatically, all while staying ahead of the curve in your career.
Share Your Expertise to Develop Your Brand
Having a solid professional brand can help you access more opportunities. Consider getting online and seizing opportunities to establish yourself as a thought leader and reliable resource when it comes to your area of expertise.
An easy way to begin is creating professionally-oriented profiles on social media, especially on LinkedIn and Facebook. Then, you’ll have a platform for sharing content about your industry and engaging with other professionals through posts, direct messages, or groups.
After that, creating your website could be wise. You may also want to explore forums that focus on your niche, as they can be excellent opportunities to showcase your knowledge and learn from other professionals.
Partner with a Recruiter
If you’re ready for a new opportunity, partnering with a recruiter is an excellent option. You’ll get a job search ally that can help you find the right career-boosting opening. Plus, they can provide you with guidance and support during the hiring process.
If you’d like to take your career up a notch, the team at The Advance Group wants to hear from you. Contact us today.
